When it comes to paying your monthly bills, you have three main options. You can (1) pay in person with cash or a check; (2) mail in a check using traditional mail; or (3) pay your bills online using some form of electronic bill payment and presentment.
For most people, the first option of paying bills in person is unrealistic, due to the time and effort involved. That leaves two remaining options – paying either by check or online.
Paying through traditional mail may seem attractive, but this option carries a higher risk of identity theft.
Paying bills online also involves risks, but many are preventable.
Regardless, the following tips can help protect personal information while using online technology:
• Do not use a public computer. If you are using a computer that others have access to, thieves can easily install a key (logger software) that can collect your user ID, PIN numbers or credit/debit card information.
• Do not use a public Wi-Fi network. All it takes is a moderately tech-savvy criminal and a low-cost scanner, and your information can be plucked out of thin air. n Keep your browser up-to-date. Also look for a secure connection, as evidenced by a secure padlock located in the address bar or in the bottom right-hand corner of your browser — this symbol indicates that your information is encrypted. Last, make sure that any page you use to pay bills online has “https” in the URL (address), signifying a secure connection.
• Use anti-virus/anti-malware. If you use your own personal computer to access the Internet, you need to have anti-virus and anti-malware software running and current.
• Passwords, passwords, passwords! It is very important to change your password on a regular basis. A strong password should contain uppercase and lowercase alpha characters (but no words or names) and numeric characters, and be at least eight characters long. Use a special character as well.
• Don’t click on links. Either bookmark the website in your browser, or type in the website address. Do not click on a link provided by your bank or a biller in an email. These links can lead you to fake websites that attempt to capture your information when you log in using your ID and password.
This article provided as a public service from the Indiana Bankers Association is not intended as legal advice with the understanding that the association is not engaged in rendering specific legal, accounting or other professional services. If specific expert assistance is required, the services of a professional should be sought.
